Complaint
A viewer complained that Fiona Bruce lacked impartiality in her handling of the panellists, in particular in her assertion that the SNP had “come off the rails” since the programme last visited Scotland (which he also considered to be inaccurate). The ECU considered whether the programme met BBC standards on due accuracy and impartiality.
Outcome
The BBC Editorial Guidelines allow presenters, reporters and correspondents to provide “professional judgements rooted in evidence”. In the ECU’s view Fiona Bruce’s comment about the SNP fell into that category and noted the SNP itself had publicly acknowledged the severity of the difficulties it faced, in terms arguably stronger than those used on the programme.
Overall, the ECU considered all sides in the debate that evening were fairly challenged and if it appeared the SNP were under particular scrutiny this was as a result of their position as the Scottish Government and of recent events, rather than an indication of bias by the presenter or the BBC.
Not Upheld